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Champions League / Europa League draws

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The die is cast and we know the participants of the knockout stages of the Champions League and the Europa League competitions. While only one of the English Premier League teams drew what can be called a relatively easy opponent, others clearly have their work cut out for them…

Champions League

Chelsea vs. Paris Saint-Germain

With the very first pairing of the draw, Chelsea will face the team it defeated in the quarterfinal of last year's Champions League. It will also face the defender that it offloaded in one of the best transfer deals in the club's history. While both teams boast impressive attacking players, Chelsea's defense is head and shoulders above that of Paris Saint-Germain. Verdict: In the battle of nouveau riche owners, Chelsea advances.

Manchester City vs. Barcelona

You have to feel for Manchester City. For the past three years, since making it into the competition, Manchester City was in a proverbial "group of death" every time. This year, the Citizens finally made out to the knockout stages only to be drawn against Barcelona. Even if Kun Aguero is fit and firing on all cylinders, City's defense will not be able to contain Messi, Suarez and Neymar. Verdict: Barcelona advances.

Arsenal vs. Monaco

The Gunners received an early Christmas present by being drawn against Monaco. No disrespect to Leonardo Jardim's team, but Monaco is having trouble scoring goals and will need to make some serious acquisitions during the January transfer window if it to stand a chance to defeat the Gunners. By the time the first leg kicks off on February 25, 2015, and baring another unforeseen set of injuries, Arsenal should have a healthy team with some of the best attacking talent in the world. Verdict: Arsenal advances.

Europa League

Tottenham vs. Fiorentina

This game is a telltale of two teams that are underperforming in their domestic competitions but playing well in Europe. Tottenham's style of football bodes well against European opponents, as Mauricio Pochettino's men play a more physical game than their opponents are used to. Fiorentina, on the other hand, has outscored their opponents 11-3 in group stages. What gives? Verdict: A more talented Tottenham team advances.

Liverpool vs. Besiktas

After a poor start of the Premier League season, Liverpool performed as expected in the Champions League and earned a justified exit. Besiktas, on the other hand, was unlucky to run into Arsenal in the final round of the qualification. This is not a Turkish team where the fans inside the stadium are more intimidating than the players on the pitch. This is a real deal team that did not lose a single game in the Europa League, defeated Tottenham and finished as the group leader. Verdict: Besiktas advances.

Everton vs. Young Boys

The most evenly matched pair of the draw. Both teams play offensive minded football while both are also inconsistent. This will be Everton's first game against the Swiss opposition while the Young Boys have previously played Tottenham in the 2010 final round of the Champions League qualification (losing 6-3 on the aggregate) and Liverpool in the 2012 Champions' League group stages (3-5 and 2-2). Romelu Lukaku has only 1 goal in the competition in five games compared to Guillaume Hoarau's 5 in six games. Everton will rely on its midfield to deliver the goals while Young Boys will hope that the 6 ft. 4 in. Hourau continues his goal scoring form. This one could go either way, but I have to give it to the team with more experienced players. Verdict: Everton advances.

What are your thoughts about how each of these match-ups will play out? Do you think Manchester City has a chance to beat Barcelona?

Sani.